Japan is overwhelmed with tourists.

The overwhelming number of tourists has forced Japan to implement measures such as increasing taxes and fees to alleviate pressure on tourist destinations.

According to Euronews , by the end of September, Japan had welcomed more than two million international visitors for four consecutive months. This is a positive sign for the tourism industry, which has been struggling after the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the excessive number of visitors is also putting pressure on people's lives.

Therefore, Japan will introduce several measures to mitigate the impact of tourism overcrowding. These plans revolve around strengthening transportation systems in major cities, encouraging tourists to diversify their destinations, and imposing tourism taxes.

Specifically, in several popular tourist cities, Japan will expand its taxi and bus fleets to better serve tourists. Currently, taxi companies in tourist hotspots are struggling with the huge influx of visitors. The government hopes that this infrastructure improvement will boost tourism in areas such as Niseko, Hokkaido – destinations that experience a surge in visitors during the ski season.

Asakusa Temple in Tokyo. Photo: Tokyo Travel Guide

Another proposal being considered by officials is to increase bus fares to combat overcrowding. The fares would be higher during peak hours to discourage people from traveling. Alternatively, Japan could establish new bus routes from key stations to popular tourist destinations to cater specifically to tourists.

According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the country needs to develop tourism evenly outside of "hot spots" like Tokyo and Kyoto. Currently, Japan is planning to develop tourism in 11 "model destinations" such as Ise-Shima (Mie Prefecture). Authorities hope to attract tourists to rural areas and nature experiences instead of focusing too much on traditional destinations.

In Hatsukaichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture), starting October 1st, visitors will have to pay approximately $1 to enter Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to a local official, the fee is a way to protect the natural environment, history, and culture for future generations.

Tu Nguyen

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